You may choose to go through your insurance company, broker, other intermediary or a claims management company. But to get advice fast and to avoid delays, we'd always recommend going straight to a lawyer.

If you decide to go through an intermediary like a claims management company, you need to make sure they're Ministry of Justice Registered, unless exempted. What does this mean?

The regulation of the claims management industry is now under the control of the Ministry of Justice; it safeguards you, the consumer, by having standards for the provision of services related to compensation claims.

Therefore, all businesses offering claimants help with their personal injury claims should be registered. There have been many case management companies that aren't registered, so there'd be little in the way of protection for the claimant.

The Ministry of Justice will provide a certificate of registration after making a series of checks.

By being registered, companies are agreeing to a  adhere to strict code of conduct. This should give much needed reassurance to people making claims. 

Claimants should feel totally at ease and not pressured by a professional company when considering making a claim.

You can conduct an authorised business search via the attached link:
https://www.claimsregulation.gov.uk/search.aspx

New Road Traffic Accident claims reform

The launch of the new claims reform process on 30 April 2010 is intended to ensure that more minor claims – those worth up to £10,000 – are dealt with more efficiently ;proactively and provide certainty.  The process is intended to be far easier to understand, so that making a claim is much simpler.

Injured?

If you've been injured through no fault of your own you need to feel you'll be in capable hands. If you've chosen to go via a claims management company you should feel safe in the knowledge that you'll be appointed a reputable law firm to deal with your claim efficiently and to act in your best interests at all times.

The case management company should be able to advise you at the outset about which law firm it's sending your claim to and also advise you on when you can expect to receive communication from them. There shouldn't be any 'hidden extras' from them.

Legal advice

In the first conversation, your lawyer will be able to advise you on the prospects for your claim and explain the steps that will need to be taken to progress it.

The law firm should provide continued valuable legal advice and guidance to ensure you're  able to make an informed choice about what instructions to give, whether concerning liability or the personal injury element of your claim.

This will ensure you receive the right level of compensation and the best liability outcome is achieved, whilst also ensuring that the legal costs incurred are recovered from the defendant.

What do our clients say?

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is a market leader in dealing with road traffic accident personal injury claims. This is what clients say about us:

• "I really cannot think of a negative comment to make; absolutely terrific, very helpful, prompt and polite at all times. Thank you very much for all your help."
  Mary Johnson, Pontefract
• "I found Miss Kelly very good, very patient, and kind.  Excellent service; very impressed and very much on the ball. Thank you, to her and the team."
  Thomas Swain, Kent

Managing your compensation claim with compassion

We put your needs first, and understand that compensation might not be your first priority.

Choosing Access Legal from Shoosmiths means you'll get advice from specialist lawyers with experience of managing all aspects of accident claims. As well as recovering compensation for your injuries, we'll arrange medical support to speed your recovery, while recovering expenses incurred as a result of your accident.

Our partnerships

Your dedicated case manager aims to help you through the whole process, tailored to your particular needs to ensure the best result.

We've established strong partnerships with treatment and rehabilitation specialists, medical examiners, forensic engineers, barristers, and other leading experts who may be needed during the lifecycle of your accident claim. We are also able to assist in arranging vehicle inspection, repair and vehicle hire.

Whether you've suffered a minor or a catastrophic injury – for example from whiplash to brain or spinal cord injury – you'll receive expert advice.

We're an approved firm under the personal injury accreditation scheme; we're certified to ISO 9001, which is the principal, internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems; and we have members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

We're also on the following specialist panels:

• The Solicitors Panel for the Spinal Injuries Association
• The Solicitors Panel for Headway
• AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents) Panel

Our offering

Our specialist teams act for clients of all ages and capacity who've been involved in a wide range of accidents. We offer:

• free initial no obligation advice
• no-win-no-fee
• tailored advice and service for individual clients
• dedicated case worker

What next?

Please contact us on 03700 86 86 86 to talk about your claim. There'll be no cost to you for the initial discussions, and if we believe we can help you we'll arrange appropriate funding for your claim.

Once an initial discussion has taken place, and following a successful risk assessment, your lawyer will contact you and begin to pursue your claim in the best way possible to ensure a successful outcome.

Tell us what you think

All documents should be read and used in accordance with the terms and conditions. This document is for your general information only and is not a detailed statement of the law. It is provided to you free of charge and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. If you require specific legal advice please contact our helpline on 03700 86 86 86.

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